DRONE-BASED NATURAL GAS LEAK DETECTION

Abstract

The invention relates to a drone-based gas leak detection and analysis system developed to detect gas leaks that may occur in natural gas distribution networks and industrial facilities. The system in question is used specifically to optimize safety inspections in natural gas infrastructures and to prevent leaks by detecting them early.

Description

DRONE-BASED NATURAL GAS LEAK DETECTION Technical Area The invention addresses gas leaks that may occur in natural gas distribution networks and industrial facilities. A drone-based gas leak detection and analysis system developed to detect leaks. It is related to the system. Previous Technique Traditional natural gas leak detection methods generally include the following techniques: It consists of. Manual leak detection: Technical teams working in the field use portable gas detectors. It monitors natural gas pipelines. This method is time-consuming, costly, and inefficient. It is susceptible to error. Fixed gas sensors: Fixed in some industrial facilities and urban natural gas distribution lines. Gas detectors are used. However, these detectors are located at specific points and are not widely used. It may be insufficient to cover all areas. Aerial thermal imaging: Thermal imaging performed using helicopters or airplanes. These methods have been used to detect gas leaks in large-scale pipelines. However, these methods have high operational costs. Mobile detector vehicles: Vehicles equipped with gas sensors to detect pipes near roads. The lines can be scanned. However, this method makes it difficult to detect leaks in hard-to-reach areas. Satellite or aircraft-based systems: These are high-cost and low-resolution systems. The systems may be insufficient for detecting small leaks. Common shortcomings of existing systems in technology include high cost and limited access. such as the inability to work effectively in difficult areas and its dependence on human intervention. several factors are involved. Patent document US12163939B2 describes a gas leak detection system. 1 Patent document number US2024029232A1 describes machine learning for natural gas leak detection. The system is being discussed. Existing studies in the field of technology reveal that natural gas distribution networks and industrial applications are relevant. The drone was developed to detect gas leaks that may occur in facilities. There was a need to develop a gas leak detection and analysis system based on leak detection technology. Purposes of the Invention The purpose of this invention is to address problems that occur in natural gas distribution networks and industrial facilities. a drone-based gas leak detection system developed to detect potential gas leaks It is the development of a perception and analysis system. Another purpose of this invention is to detect natural gas leaks quickly, accurately, and reliably. The goal is to develop a drone-based gas leak detection and analysis system that enables this. Another purpose of this invention is to enable automated leak detection in large areas at low cost. drone-based systems that provide and enhance operator safety by minimizing human intervention. It is the development of a gas leak detection and analysis system. Detailed Description of the Invention The invention addresses gas leaks that may occur in natural gas distribution networks and industrial facilities. A drone-based gas leak detection and analysis system developed to detect leaks. related to the system, - A drone equipped with GPS and IMU sensors, - Methane (CH4) and other hydrocarbon gases found on the drone gas sensors that enable detection, - A device on the drone that analyzes the emission and absorption characteristics of gases. hyperspectral imaging system, - The drone has a sensor that detects temperature differences caused by the leak. Thermal and spectral imaging cameras that enable this, - The data obtained by the drone is transmitted to the central system. - Data processing and handling located within the central system. analysis module, 2 - Located within the central system and enabling the mapping of leak detection. geographic information system, - Wireless data communication system that enables communication between the drone and the central system. It includes. The system described in this invention has high maneuverability and is equipped with GPS and IMU sensors. capable of high-precision positioning, offering long flight times and adapting to different weather conditions. A drone capable of withstanding these conditions is being used. Gas sensors: Highly sensitive to detecting methane (CH4) and other hydrocarbon gases. Leak detection is performed using laser-based spectroscopy or electrochemical sensors. Sensor data is analyzed in real time. Hyperspectral imaging system: Emission of gases at specific wavelengths and It analyzes the absorption properties. Thanks to the hyperspectral camera, the spectral properties of the leaking gas are determined. Its signature is extracted. The type and density of the gas are determined using image processing algorithms. Thermal and spectral imaging cameras: Detects temperature differences caused by leaks. It detects them. Thus, leak points are identified using visible light and infrared imaging. Data processing and analysis module: Monitors and processes sensor data in real time to detect leaks. It determines whether or not it is true. By analyzing data, it minimizes false positives. Cloud-based. The system transmits the data to the relevant units. Geographic information system (GIS): Identifies leakage areas by mapping. Pipeline. It conducts leakage analyses according to their routes. Data communication system: Wireless for the instantaneous transmission of collected data to a central system. Communication technology is being used. The working method of the system that is the subject of the invention; • The drone can operate autonomously or under operator control along a designated route. It is flying. • Precise navigation is ensured with GPS and IMU sensors. • Gas sensors continuously measure the gas concentration in the environment. 3 • Hyperspectral cameras and thermal imaging systems detect signs of leaks. does. • Spectral emission and absorption of gases thanks to hyperspectral imaging. The characteristics are analyzed, and the data analysis system processes the acquired images to detect the gas leak. Accuracy is checked by determining its type and intensity. • When a leak is detected, GPS coordinates and other data are transmitted to the central system. • Detected leaks are mapped by integrating them into a geographic information system (GIS). • It is reported to operators and relevant units in real time. • The system reports the exact location and intensity of the leak. The system described in this invention is for the safety and maintenance of natural gas pipelines in the energy sector. It can be used in industrial facilities and environmental protection projects. The system allows the drone to fly automatically and report data in real time, thus eliminating the need for human intervention. It minimizes intervention and reduces operational costs. 4

Claims

1. The invention relates to the occurrence of problems in natural gas distribution networks and industrial facilities. a drone-based gas detection system developed to detect potential gas leaks It is related to the leak detection and analysis system, - A drone equipped with GPS and IMU sensors, - Methane (CH4) and other hydrocarbon gases found on the drone gas sensors that enable detection, - Devices on the drone that measure the emission and absorption characteristics of gases. hyperspectral imaging system that analyzes, - Temperature differences detected on the drone and caused by the leak. Thermal and spectral imaging cameras that enable detection, - The data obtained by the drone is transmitted to the central system. - Data processing located within the central system and enabling the processing of data. and analysis module, - Mapping of leak detection areas within the central system. geographic information system providing, - Wireless data communication that enables communication between the drone and the central system. system It is characterized by its inclusion.